SYRACUSE and UTICA-ROME -- "Big Smoothie" is off the lineup at Galaxy's KROCK stations after more than 8½ years on the trio of signals covering two neighboring radio markets. The longtime local radio personality confirmed his exit with an online video.
Following a tip from a CNYRadio.com reader Thursday night, we did a little digging and found Smoothie posted a publicly-viewable video on his personal Facebook account under his real name, Jamie Hantke. He also posted it to his Big Smoothie page.
"I was informed today that I am no longer employed at KROCK."
He continued, "I'm gonna be totally honest with you, I'm at peace right now. It's a strange feeling. I have done so many things inside of a business that I've been told so many times I didn't belong in. I've been told many times I'm not good enough to do ... what I was doing in radio. The last 5 years as I was full-time again at KROCK, I was allowed to be wide-the-fuck-open and be myself and not be tight."
After a brief interruption from his dog in the background, Hantke continued, "I'm at peace, man. I'm good, I'm not upset. I mean, I am upset... but I've learned... in my 20s and 30s, I'd be raging right now. Being forty-six, in the nature of the business right now, probably because most of us have prepared for it for awhile, and we all know it's gonna come eventually, right? Especially in radio, and media in general."
Hantke, who also owns 315 Strong The Gym, said he plans to spend more time there after taking some time to "figure out all the things." He then thanked listeners for being there and concluded saying he "enjoyed every fucking minute of" working in radio and "you'll see me around, I can guarantee that."
Although his photo and name still appeared on the KROCK website as of Thursday evening, links to his station-related Facebook and Instagram pages resulted in error messages.
Smoothie had been hosting afternoon drive on KROCK since January 2020, according to RadioInk, after having hosted nights since 2017. Prior to joining the Galaxy-owned stations (100.9 WKRL/North Syracuse, 106.5 WKRH/Minetto, 94.9 WKLL/Frankfort), Smoothie worked on-and off at Cumulus-owned crosstown competitor 95X (WAQX). He was the subject of a 2004 "Beyond the Studio" feature by original CNYRadio.com editor Scott Jameson.
CNYRadio.com has reached out to Galaxy for comment and to inquire about the station's future plans for the afternoon drive timeslot.
Covering the happenings at dozens of TV and radio stations in two markets is no easy task! We're always grateful for your "official" station announcements and "unofficial" insider tips. Anytime you've got news to share about local radio or TV, use our Contact Form. You can choose whether to include your own contact info, or remain anonymous.